SAG-AFTRA may take another day to respond to the studios’ “last, best and final” offer, as the union’s negotiating committee continues to evaluate its next move.
The studios last spoke with union leadership on Saturday afternoon, when a large group of CEOs sought to make clear they would not compromise further.
After this meeting, some members of the SAG-AFTRA negotiating committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the studios’ offer. At least four of them retweeted a post urging the leading actors to pressure studio bosses to return on better terms.
“It’s time to put pressure on CEOs,” wrote the poster, Chelsea Schwartz, SAG-AFTRA leader. “Call the studio heads. Yell at them on social media. Tell them to take our deal. You can help us end this strike and save our career! We are stronger together!”
Hollywood is eagerly awaiting the union’s response, with many hoping to return to work as soon as possible after a six-month layoff.
During a brief Zoom meeting on Saturday, SAG-AFTRA leaders advised that they would need more time to analyze and discuss the studios’ offer before submitting their response. It was not clear when the union would respond, although at least some on the studio side were hoping for a response on Sunday.
But as of Sunday afternoon, it appeared that a response would have to wait until Monday, as the union continued to discuss the proposal internally.
The studios’ offering includes an additional structure based on success in live broadcasting. Under the proposal, actors will receive double their remaining money if they appear in a show that ranks among the most watched on the streaming platform.
The studios have steadily improved that bonus as talks continue, but have not agreed to the guild’s request to reduce overall broadcast revenues.
The studios also offered protections against artificial intelligence, and what the studios described as “historic” pay increases. The union has called for strong protections against the use of artificial intelligence to create “digital doubles.” Concerns are particularly acute for background actors, who could be among those first replaced by AI technology.
By using the term “last, best and final,” the studios are indicating that there will be no further negotiations, and that the offer on the table is essentially an “accept or reject” proposal. However, the union can back down from elements it does not like, and always has the option of remaining on strike.
The strike is now in its 115th day.
Cynthia Littleton contributed to this story.
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